Study protocol: health survey of Sao Paulo: ISA-Physical Activity and Environment.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have investigated the association between the built environment and physical activity behavior in urban settings. However, most of the studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries were cross-sectional, which are limited to identify behavioral determinants. We propose a prospective cohort study to verify the relationship between built environment features and leisure-time and transport-related physical activity in adults from Sao Paulo city, Brazil. METHODS: Prospective multilevel cohort, denominated "ISA-Physical Activity and Environment". It will build on the Health Survey of Sao Paulo in 2015 ("Inquérito de Saúde de São Paulo (ISA)" in Portuguese). The Health Survey of Sao Paulo, originally designed as a cross-sectional survey, had a multi-stage sample, covering 150 census tracts distributed in five health administrative areas. Data collection was performed by face-to-face interviews until December 2015 and the sample comprised 4043 individuals aged 12 years or more. The ISA-Physical Activity and Environment study will reassess people who are aged 18 years or more in 2020, including telephone and household interviews. The primary outcome will be leisure-time and transport-related physical activity, assessed through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire long version. Exposure variables will be built environment features in the areas participants live and work in the follow-up. Data analysis will include multivariate multilevel linear and logistic models. We will also conduct cost-effectiveness analysis and develop agent-based models to help inform decision-makers. The study will be conducted by an interdisciplinary research team specialized in physical activity epidemiology, nutritional epidemiology, georeferencing applied to health, statistics, agent-based modeling, public health policy, and health economics. DISCUSSION: There are few longitudinal studies on the relationship between the built environment and physical activity behavior in low- and middle-income countries. We believe that the ISA-Physical Activity and Environment study will contribute with important results for the progress of the knowledge in this field and for the implementation of policies that promote leisure-time physical activity and active travel in Sao Paulo and similar cities across the world.

Mix of destinations and sedentary behavior among Brazilian adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary behavior is influenced by contextual, social, and individual factors, including the built environment. However, associations between the built environment and sitting time have not been extensively investigated in countries with economies in transition such as Brazil. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between sitting-time and access to a mix of destinations for adults from Sao Paulo city, Brazil. METHODS: This study uses data from the Health Survey of Sao Paulo. Sedentary behavior was assessed by a questionnaire using two questions: total sitting time in minutes on a usual weekday; and on a usual weekend day. The mix of destinations was measured by summing the number of facilities (comprising bus stops, train/subway stations, parks, squares, public recreation centres, bike paths, primary health care units, supermarkets, food stores, bakeries, and coffee-shops) within 500 m of each participant's residence. Minutes of sitting time in a typical weekday and weekend day were the outcomes and the mix of destinations score in 500 m buffers was the exposure variable. Associations between the mix of destinations and sitting time were examined using multilevel linear regression: these models accounted for clustering within census tracts and households and adjusted for environmental, sociodemographic, and health-related factors. RESULTS: After adjustment for covariates, the mix of destinations was inversely associated with minutes of sitting time on a weekday (ß=- 8.8, p=0.001) and weekend day (ß=- 6.1, p=0.022). People who lived in areas with a greater mix of destinations had shorter average sitting times. CONCLUSION: Greater mix of destinations within 500 m of peoples' residences was inversely associated with sitting time on a typical weekday and weekend day. In Latin American cities like Sao Paulo built environments more favorable for walking may contribute to reducing sedentary behavior and prevent associated chronic disease.

Physical activity and preventable premature deaths from non-communicable diseases in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the impact of counterfactual scenarios of physical activity on premature deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are sparse in the literature. We estimated preventable premature deaths from NCDs (diabetes, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and breast and colon cancers) in Brazil by increasing population-wide physical activity (i) to theoretical minimum risk exposure levels; (ii) reaching the physical activity recommendation; (iii) reducing insufficient physical activity by 10%; and (iv) eliminating the gender differences in physical activity. METHODS: Preventable fractions were estimated using data from a nationally representative survey, relative risks from a meta-analysis and number of premature deaths (30-69 years) from the Brazilian Mortality Information System. RESULTS: Physical activity could potentially avoid up to 16 700 premature deaths from NCDs in Brazil, corresponding to 5.75 and 3.23% of premature deaths from major NCDs and of all-causes, respectively. Other scenarios suggested the following impact on premature deaths: reaching physical activity recommendation (5000 or 1.74% of major NCDs); 10% reduction in insufficient physical activity (500 or 0.17% of major NCDs); eliminating gender differences in physical activity (1000 or 0.33% of major NCDs). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity may play an important role to reduce premature deaths from NCD in Brazil.

Physical activity as part of daily living: Moving beyond quantitative recommendations.

The purpose of this study is to discuss a paradigm shift towards a broader understanding of physical activity (PA) as part of daily living and, therefore, a different approach for PA guidelines, research, and promotion. To this aim, we centered the discussion in two topics: 1) PA: from a restricted view to a broader phenomenon; and 2) Recommendations for PA: moving beyond minutes and dose-response. A holistic understanding of PA and its relationship with health is not possible unless it is considered values, meanings, and symbols that impregnate the human behavior linked to the modes of living of a given people. If we do believe that PA is a behavior essential to human life, we must align our actions to our speech. However, current guidelines, as well as in most policies and programs of PA is largely portrayed as a way to attain longer life expectancy and less diseases, which runs against our consolidated understanding of PA as part of our everyday life. New guidelines could focus on how, when, why, where, and with whom we include PA in our daily lives, based on a day-long approach, instead of how much we should do in order to prevent non-communicable diseases.

Neighborhood and family perceived environments associated with children's physical activity and body mass index.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of research has been examining neighborhood environment related to children's physical activity and obesity. However, there is still not enough evidence from Latin America. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of neighborhood and family perceived environments, use of and distance to public open spaces with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and body mass index (BMI) in Argentinean school-aged children. METHODS: School-based, cross-sectional study with 1777 children (9 to 11years) and their parents, in Cordoba city during 2011. Children were asked about LTPA and family perceived environment. Parents were asked about neighborhood perceived environment, children's use of public open spaces and distance. Weight and height were measured for BMI. We modeled children's LTPA and BMI z-score with structural equation models with latent variables for built, social and safety neighborhood environments. RESULTS: Parents' perceived neighborhood environment was not related with children's LTPA and BMI. Children's perceived autonomy and family environment were positively associated with LTPA. Use of unstructured open spaces and, indirectly, the distance to these, was associated with LTPA among girls. Greater distance to parks reduced their use by children. CONCLUSIONS: Policies to increase children's LTPA should include access to better public open spaces, increasing options for activity. A family approach should be incorporated, reinforcing its role for healthy development.

Which social support and psychological factors are associated to active commuting to school?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between self-efficacy, enjoyment, and volitional control with active commuting, as well as to analyze the impact of social support from parents, friends, and teachers with active commuting to school. METHODS: Participants in this cross-sectional study were 625 students (male: 46.3%) aged 10 to 15years from Porto, Portugal (2010/2011). A questionnaire was used to assess active commuting to/from school (walk/cycle), self-efficacy, enjoyment, volitional control and social support. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify significant associations between targeted variables and active commuting. RESULTS: The results show positive associations in crude analyses for all variables, except for enjoyment for walk/cycle to school. In the adjusted model, higher likelihood of active commuting was found among students who reported having higher self-efficacy (OR=2.10; CI95%: 1.07; 4.11) to walk/cycle to school as well as among adolescents who reported being encouraged by their parents (OR=3.66; CI95%: 1.55; 8.69), and having the partnership of friends in active journeys (OR=4.31; CI95%: 1.79; 10.37). CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy, encouragement from parents and companionship from friends were important indicators of active commuting to school among Portuguese adolescents. These findings provide support for further research to identify and understand factors that predict and explain the active commuting.

Exploring the Nexus between Food Systems and the Global Syndemic among Children under Five Years of Age through the Complex Systems Approach.

The intricate relationship between food systems and health outcomes, known as the food-nutrition-health nexus, intersects with environmental concerns. However, there's still a literature gap in evaluating food systems alongside the global syndemic using the complex systems theory, especially concerning vulnerable populations like children. This research aimed to design a system dynamics model to advance a theoretical understanding of the connections between food systems and the global syndemic, particularly focusing on their impacts on children under five years of age. The framework was developed through a literature review and authors' insights into the relationships between the food, health, and environmental components of the global syndemic among children. The conceptual model presented 17 factors, with 26 connections and 6 feedback loops, categorized into the following 5 groups: environmental, economic, school-related, family-related, and child-related. It delineated and elucidated mechanisms among the components of the global syndemic encompassing being overweight, suffering from undernutrition, and climate change. The findings unveiled potential interactions within food systems and health outcomes. Furthermore, the model integrated elements of the socio-ecological model by incorporating an external layer representing the environment and its natural resources. Consequently, the development of public policies and interventions should encompass environmental considerations to effectively tackle the complex challenges posed by the global syndemic.

[How to improve active mobility in São Paulo, Brazil? Survey with leaders of nongovernmental organizations and public and private sector managers]. / Como melhorar a mobilidade ativa em São Paulo, Brasil? Inquérito com lideranças de organizações não governamentais e com gestores públicos e privados.

This study aimed to describe a quantitative survey conducted with leaders to investigate effective and feasible actions that can be evaluated in computational models to inform policies to promote active mobility based in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. In 2022, an online survey was conducted during the Health Survey in São Paulo (Physical Activity and Environment study), which is monitored by representatives of nongovernmental organizations and public and private sector managers. A questionnaire was elaborated with three questions with 13 alternative answers about actions to promote walking and/or cycling. Leaders should select up to three alternatives based on their potential regarding: (1) effectiveness; (2) feasibility or ease of implementation; and (3) desire to verify tests in computational models to inform policies. The survey was answered by 18 leaders from 16 institutions, comprising 13 (72%) women and 12 (67%) representatives of the third sector, whose average age was 48 years and all had complete higher education. Reducing the speed of motor vehicles was the most cited option in all three questions. Other actions mentioned refer to controlling the traffic of vehicles in central areas, improving pedestrian safety, reducing the distances between homes and places of employment, conducting educational campaigns, and expanding and enhancing structures such as bicycle lanes and sidewalks. The results are relevant to support evidence-based decision-making in public management and to provide subsidies for the development of computational models with a view to promoting active mobility.

Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever um inquérito quantitativo realizado com lideranças para investigar ações efetivas, viáveis e que podem ser testadas em modelos computacionais para informar políticas de promoção da mobilidade ativa, tendo como base a cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Em 2022, foi realizado um inquérito online no contexto da pesquisa de Atividade Física e Ambiente do Inquérito de Saúde de São Paulo, acompanhada por representantes de organizações não governamentais, gestores públicos e de entidades privadas. Foi elaborado questionário com três perguntas com 13 alternativas de respostas sobre ações para promoção da caminhada ou uso de bicicleta. As lideranças deveriam selecionar até três alternativas a partir de seu potencial em termos de (1) efetividade; (2) viabilidade ou facilidade de implementação; e (3) desejo de realizar testes em modelos computacionais para informar políticas. O inquérito foi respondido por 18 lideranças de 16 instituições, sendo 13 (72%) mulheres e 12 (67%) representantes do terceiro setor, cuja média de idade era 48 anos, todos com nível superior de escolaridade. A redução da velocidade dos veículos motorizados foi a opção mais citada nas três questões. Outras ações citadas referem-se ao controle de circulação de veículos em regiões centrais, à segurança de pedestres, à diminuição das distâncias entre residências e locais de emprego, às campanhas educativas e à ampliação e melhoria de estruturas como ciclovias e calçadas. Os resultados são relevantes para apoiar a tomada de decisões baseadas em evidências na gestão pública e oferecer subsídios para a elaboração de modelos computacionais com vistas à promoção da mobilidade ativa.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo presentar una encuesta cuantitativa realizada con líderes para investigar las acciones efectivas, viables y que puedan probarse en modelos informáticos para orientar las políticas que promuevan la movilidad activa en la ciudad de São Paulo, Brasil. En 2022 se realizó una encuesta en línea en el contexto de la Encuesta de Salud de São Paulo (Actividad Física y Medio Ambiente), que es monitoreada por representantes de organizaciones no gubernamentales, gestores públicos y entidades privadas. Se elaboró un cuestionario de tres preguntas con 13 respuestas alternativas sobre acciones para promover la caminata o el uso de la bicicleta. Los líderes podían seleccionar hasta tres alternativas en función de su potencial en términos de (1) efectividad; (2) viabilidad o facilidad de implementación; y (3) deseo de verificar las pruebas en modelos informáticos para orientar las políticas. La encuesta fue respondida por 18 líderes de 16 instituciones; de los cuales 13 (72%) eran mujeres y 12 (67%) representaban el tercer sector; la edad promedio de ellos fue de 48 años y todos contaban con educación superior. Reducir la velocidad de los vehículos de motor fue la opción más citada en las tres preguntas. Otras acciones mencionadas se refieren al control de la circulación de vehículos en las regiones centrales, la seguridad de los peatones, la reducción de las distancias entre los hogares y los lugares de trabajo, las campañas educativas y la expansión y mejora de estructuras como carriles bici y aceras. Los resultados son relevantes para apoyar la toma de decisiones basada en la evidencia en la gestión pública y ofrecer subsidios para la elaboración de modelos computacionales destinados a promover la movilidad activa.

Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of all domains of physical activity in Brazilian adults.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and sociodemographic indicators associated with physical inactivity in leisure, commuting, work, and household in adults in Florianopolis, Brazil. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2009 to January 2010, with adults between 20 to 59 years of age (n=1720). Sociodemographic indicators and physical inactivity in each domain were assessed by a validated questionnaire, applied through face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: The prevalence of physical inactivity in each domain was: leisure (52.5%); commuting (50.4%); work (80.9%); and household (57.6%). Women were 27% more inactive in leisure, while men were significantly more inactive at commuting and household (p<0.001). Older adults were more inactive in leisure (p=0.04) and commuting (p=0.05). Physical inactivity in leisure was higher in black adults and those who living with a partner and with lower educational level and lower income. In commuting, those living with a partner and who had higher income were more inactive. Physical inactivity at work was higher in white or brown adults, who had higher educational level and higher income. Physical inactivity in household was found to be higher in adults with higher educational level and higher income. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic indicators presented different associations with physical inactivity in each domain.

Clustering of unhealthy behaviors in a Brazilian population of industrial workers.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clustering of four unhealthy behaviors (tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and low consumption of fruits and vegetables) and their association with sociodemographic factors among adult industrial workers in Brazil. METHODS: Data from 23 Brazilian states and the Federal District were collected via questionnaire from 2006 to 2008. Clustering of risk behaviors was identified using the ratio between the observed and expected percentages of each combination of unhealthy behaviors. RESULTS: Among the 44,477 workers surveyed, 18.0% of men and 11.4% of women accumulated three or four unhealthy behaviors. The most frequent combination was physical inactivity and low consumption of fruits and vegetables. The concurrent presence of all four behaviors was 86% higher in men and 148% higher in women than would be predicted if the frequency of these behaviors were independent. Presence of one or more negative behaviors was more frequent in men, younger individuals and in those with lower levels of education and family income than subjects without these characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: There was a strong tendency for unhealthy behaviors to assume combinatorial patterns, mainly in men, people with less education, income, and age, suggesting important disparities.

Barriers and facilitators for physical activity domains in Brazil: a systematic review. / Barreiras e facilitadores para a prática de atividade física em diferentes domínios no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática.

This study aimed to systematically review scientific evidence on the barriers and facilitators of physical activity (PA) among the Brazilian population, considering different domains (leisure, travel, work/study, and household). The search was conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Science, SCOPUS, BIREME/LILACS, and APA PsycNET databases and was limited to papers published between 2010 and 2020. A manual search of the Brazilian Journal of Physical Activity & Health was also conducted. The selection process consisted of screening titles and abstracts, followed by the analysis of full texts. Each paper was assessed by two independent reviewers, and when discrepancies arose, a third reviewer was consulted. Leisure, environmental barriers and facilitators were the most investigated domains in the 78 included studies. There was consistency in the positive associations between six different intrapersonal and social facilitators for leisure PA and one environmental factor for travel. There have been a small number of investigations on the work/study and household domains, and future investigations on intrapersonal and social barriers and facilitators in the travel domain are important.

O objetivo foi revisar sistematicamente as evidências científicas sobre as barreiras e os facilitadores para a prática de atividade física (AF) na população brasileira, considerando os diferentes domínios (lazer, deslocamento, trabalho/estudo e tarefas domésticas). A busca foi conduzida nas bases de dados MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, BIREME/LILACS e APA PsycNET, considerando o período de 2010 a 2020. Posteriormente, foi incluída a busca na Revista Brasileira de Atividade Física e Saúde. O processo de seleção consistiu na leitura de títulos e resumos, seguida de textos na íntegra. A avaliação foi realizada por pares e, mediante discrepância, um terceiro revisor era consultado. O domínio do lazer e as barreiras e os facilitadores ambientais foram os mais investigados nos 78 artigos incluídos. Houve consistência nas associações positivas de seis diferentes facilitadores pessoais e sociais para o lazer e um fator ambiental para o deslocamento. Encontrou-se um número reduzido de investigações sobre os domínios de trabalho/estudo e tarefas domésticas, sendo importante o incentivo a futuras investigações acerca das barreiras e dos facilitadores pessoais e sociais relacionados à AF de deslocamento.

Use of an Elevated Avenue for Leisure-Time Physical Activity by Adults from Downtown São Paulo, Brazil.

Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is associated with access and use of public open spaces. The President João Goulart Elevated Avenue, currently denominated Minhocão, is a facility for leisure activities that is open for people during the night and weekends. The aim of this study was to examine if the prevalence of LTPA among individuals living in the surroundings of Minhocão is different according to proximity to, and use of, the facility. We conducted a cross-sectional study with cluster sampling with people aged ≥18 years who lived in households up to 500 m, and between 501 m and 1500 m of Minhocão. The survey was conducted between December 2017 and March 2019 using an electronic questionnaire. We conducted a bivariate analysis and Poisson regression to examine possible differences in LTPA according to the proximity of residences and use of Minhocão. The analysis used post-stratification weights. A total of 12,030 telephone numbers of people were drawn (≤500 m = 6942; and >500 m to ≤1500 m = 5088). The final sample included 235 residents who returned the questionnaires. There was a higher prevalence of individuals engaging in at least 150 min per week of LTPA among users than non-users (Prevalence Ratio = 2.19, IC95% 1.66 to 2.90), independently of sex, age, education, the distance of houses to nearest accesses and number of barriers. The main five barriers related to the usage of the Minhocão were safety issues in and around the Minhocão, rainy weather, lack of vegetation, and lack of facilities. People who used the park had higher prevalence of all types of LTPA than non-users. The results can serve to inform government decision-making on the future of Minhocão.

Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population: Recommendations Report.

BACKGROUND: This article presents the recommendations from the Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population. METHODS: A steering committee composed of a chair, 6 experts in physical activity, and representatives from the Ministry of Health/Brazil, Pan American Health Organization, Brazilian Society of Physical Activity and Health designed the guidelines, which was implemented by 8 working groups, as follows: (1) understanding physical activity, (2) children up to 5 years old, (3) children and youth from 6 to 17 years old, (4) adults, (5) older adults (60 years and above), (6) physical education at school, (7) pregnant and postpartum women, and (8) people with disabilities. The methodological steps included evidence syntheses, hearings with key stakeholders, and public consultation. RESULTS: Across 8 chapters, the guidelines provide definitions of physical activity and sedentary behavior, informing target groups on types of physical activity, dosage (frequency, intensity, and duration), benefits, and supporting network for physical activity adoption. The guidelines are openly available in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and Braille and in audio versions, with a supplementary guide for health professionals and decision makers, and a report about the preparation and references. CONCLUSIONS: The Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population provide evidence-based recommendations, being a public-directed resource to contribute to the physical activity promotion in Brazil.

Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population: Development and Methods.

BACKGROUND: This article describes the process and methods used in the development of the first ever Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population. METHODS: The steering committee established 8 working groups based on other guidelines and the Brazilian agenda for public health and physical activity (PA) promotion: (1) understanding PA; (2) children up to 5 years; (3) children and youth (6-17 y); (4) adults; (5) older adults (60 years and above); (6) physical education at school; (7) pregnant and postpartum women; and (8) people with disabilities. Working groups were formed to (1) synthesize the literature on each topic; (2) conduct workshops with stakeholders, health professionals, researchers, and the public; and (3) prepare a draft chapter for open online consultation. RESULTS: The document provides guidance for the population on the benefits of being active and recommendations regarding the amount (frequency, intensity, and duration) of PA recommended across all chapters. It also includes information on supporting networks for PA. CONCLUSIONS: The PA guidelines are widely accessible in Portuguese, including versions in English, Spanish, audiobook, and Braille, and will assist policy makers and professionals from several sectors to promote PA. The ultimate goal is to increase population levels of PA in Brazil.

[Identification and analysis of national physical activity guidelines in the Americas]. / Identificação e análise das diretrizes nacionais de atividade física nas Américas.

Given the potential of institutional approaches to health promotion, this study sought to identify the countries on the American continent which have national physical activity (PA) guidelines approved by their national health agencies. A scoping review was conducted in May 2019, with a search conducted in five electronic databases, national health agency websites and contacts with members of the Physical Activity Network of the Americas. In all, national PA guidelines were found in ten of the 36 countries surveyed (27.8%), published between 2011 and 2018, the majority being in South American countries (n = 6). All guidelines presented "approaches and strategies for primary health care," "PA recommendations for health," and the "involvement of different PA domains," however, few guidelines addressed "constructed environment and infrastructure" (n = 3), as well as "monitoring and surveillance actions" (n = 5). The conclusion can be drawn that, although few countries on the American continent have guidelines for PA and that the majority of those available address PA in a limited way, new national guidelines, based on the complexity of the determinants, monitoring and consequences of PA are needed to guide and foster policies to promote PA within the population.

Visto o potencial das abordagens institucionais à promoção da saúde, o presente estudo buscou identificar os países do continente americano que possuem diretrizes nacionais de atividade física (AF) chanceladas por órgãos nacionais de saúde. Em maio de 2019 realizou-se uma revisão de escopo, com buscas em cinco bases de dados eletrônicas, sítios eletrônicos dos órgãos nacionais de saúde e contato com integrantes da Rede de Atividade Física das Américas. Foram encontradas diretrizes nacionais de AF em dez dos 36 países pesquisados (27,8%), publicadas entre 2011 e 2018, com maioria nos países da América do Sul (n=6). Todas as diretrizes apresentaram "abordagens e estratégias para a atenção primária em saúde", "recomendações de AF para a saúde" e o "envolvimento de distintos domínios da AF", contudo, poucas diretrizes abordaram o "ambiente construído e infraestrutura" (n=3), assim como "ações de monitoramento e vigilância" (n=5). Pode-se concluir que, ao passo que poucos países do continente americano dispõem de diretrizes para a AF e, que boa parte das disponíveis aborda a AF de maneira limitada, novas diretrizes nacionais, fundamentadas na complexidade dos determinantes, monitoramento e consequências da AF são necessárias para a orientação e incentivo de políticas de promoção da AF no contexto populacional.

Predictors of influenza vaccine uptake: translation into Portuguese and validation of a questionnaire. / Preditores de aceitação da vacina contra influenza: tradução para o português e validação de um questionário.

The difficulty in achieving ideal coverage rates with the influenza vaccine in Brazil and the growing wave of antivaccine movements in the world point to the need for a more in-depth understanding of the individual determinants of to this vaccine uptake. The Health Belief Model, a theoretical model that aims to explain and predict health-related behaviors, suggests that individual beliefs influence the adoption of health-related behaviors. The objective of this study was a cross-cultural adaptation of an instrument to assess predictors of influenza vaccine uptake in Brazilian adults. The authors conducted translation, back-translation, face validity, and a survey for construct validity. They also analyzed the factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake in 2017. An instrument originally with seven domains was identified and selected. In the factor analysis, four of the model's seven constructs were validated: Susceptibility, Barriers, Cues to action, and Self-efficacy. In the survey with 396 persons, 59.3% reported having received the influenza vaccine in the last campaign in 2017. Female sex, age > 50 years, pregnancy, vaccination in private healthcare services, hepatitis B vaccination, and influenza vaccination prior to 2017 were associated with vaccination in 2017. In the final logistic regression model, perceived Barriers appeared as a strong factor for non-vaccination, while Cues to action increased the odds of vaccination.

A dificuldade de alcançar coberturas ideais para a vacina contra influenza no Brasil e a crescente onda do movimento antivacina no mundo apontam a necessidade de aprofundar a compreensão dos determinantes individuais de adesão a essa vacina. O Modelo de Crenças em Saúde, um modelo teórico que objetiva explicar e predizer o comportamento em relação à saúde, sugere que crenças individuais influenciam a adoção de comportamentos relacionados a essa área. Este trabalho teve como objetivo a adaptação transcultural de um instrumento para avaliar os preditores de aceitação da vacina da influenza em adultos no Brasil. Realizaram-se a tradução, a retrotradução, a validade de face e um inquérito para validade de construto. Também foram analisados os fatores associados à adesão à vacina da influenza em 2017. Um instrumento, originalmente com sete domínios, foi identificado e selecionado. Na análise fatorial, quatro dos sete construtos do modelo teórico foram validados: Suscetibilidade, Barreiras, Estímulos para a ação e Motivação para a saúde. No inquérito das 396 pessoas, 59,3% relataram vacinação contra influenza na última campanha de 2017. Sexo feminino, idade > 50 anos, gestante, vacina na rede privada, vacinação contra a hepatite B e influenza antes de 2017 mostraram-se como fatores associados à vacinação em 2017. No modelo logístico final, a percepção de Barreiras apresentou-se como um forte Estímulo para não vacinação, ao passo que Estímulos para a ação atuou aumentando a chance de vacinação.

La dificultad de alcanzar coberturas ideales para la vacuna contra la gripe en Brasil y la creciente ola del movimiento antivacunas en el mundo apunta la necesidad de profundizar la comprensión de los determinantes individuales de adhesión a esa vacuna. El Modelo de Creencias en Salud, un modelo teórico que tiene como objetivo explicar y predecir el comportamiento en relación con la salud, sugiere que las creencias individuales influencian la adopción de comportamientos relacionados con esa área. El objetivo de este trabajo es la adaptación transcultural de un instrumento para evaluar los predictores de aceptación de la vacuna de la gripe en adultos en Brasil. Se realizó la traducción, retrotraducción, validez de la presentación, así como una encuesta para la validez del constructo. También se analizaron los factores asociados con la adhesión a la vacuna de la gripe en 2017. Un instrumento, originalmente con siete dominios, fue identificado y seleccionado. En el análisis factorial, cuatro de los siete constructos del modelo teórico fueron evaluados: Susceptibilidad, Barreras, Estímulos para la acción y Motivación para la salud. En el cuestionario a las 396 personas, 59,3% informaron haber sido vacunadas contra la gripe en la última campaña de 2017. Sexo femenino, edad > 50 años, embarazada, vacunada en la red privada, vacunación contra la hepatitis B y gripe antes de 2017 se mostraron como factores asociados a la vacunación en 2017. En el modelo logístico final, la percepción de Barreras se presentó como un fuerte Estímulo para la no vacunación, al paso que Estímulos para la acción actuó aumentando la oportunidad de vacunación.

Como melhorar a mobilidade ativa em São Paulo, Brasil? Inquérito com lideranças de organizações não governamentais e com gestores públicos e privados / How to improve active mobility in São Paulo, Brazil? Survey with leaders of nongovernmental organizations and public and private sector managers / ¿Cómo mejorar la movilidad activa en São Paulo, Brasil? Encuesta con líderes de organizaciones no gubernamentales y gestores públicos y privados

Resumo: Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever um inquérito quantitativo realizado com lideranças para investigar ações efetivas, viáveis e que podem ser testadas em modelos computacionais para informar políticas de promoção da mobilidade ativa, tendo como base a cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Em 2022, foi realizado um inquérito online no contexto da pesquisa de Atividade Física e Ambiente do Inquérito de Saúde de São Paulo, acompanhada por representantes de organizações não governamentais, gestores públicos e de entidades privadas. Foi elaborado questionário com três perguntas com 13 alternativas de respostas sobre ações para promoção da caminhada ou uso de bicicleta. As lideranças deveriam selecionar até três alternativas a partir de seu potencial em termos de (1) efetividade; (2) viabilidade ou facilidade de implementação; e (3) desejo de realizar testes em modelos computacionais para informar políticas. O inquérito foi respondido por 18 lideranças de 16 instituições, sendo 13 (72%) mulheres e 12 (67%) representantes do terceiro setor, cuja média de idade era 48 anos, todos com nível superior de escolaridade. A redução da velocidade dos veículos motorizados foi a opção mais citada nas três questões. Outras ações citadas referem-se ao controle de circulação de veículos em regiões centrais, à segurança de pedestres, à diminuição das distâncias entre residências e locais de emprego, às campanhas educativas e à ampliação e melhoria de estruturas como ciclovias e calçadas. Os resultados são relevantes para apoiar a tomada de decisões baseadas em evidências na gestão pública e oferecer subsídios para a elaboração de modelos computacionais com vistas à promoção da mobilidade ativa.

Abstract: This study aimed to describe a quantitative survey conducted with leaders to investigate effective and feasible actions that can be evaluated in computational models to inform policies to promote active mobility based in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. In 2022, an online survey was conducted during the Health Survey in São Paulo (Physical Activity and Environment study), which is monitored by representatives of nongovernmental organizations and public and private sector managers. A questionnaire was elaborated with three questions with 13 alternative answers about actions to promote walking and/or cycling. Leaders should select up to three alternatives based on their potential regarding: (1) effectiveness; (2) feasibility or ease of implementation; and (3) desire to verify tests in computational models to inform policies. The survey was answered by 18 leaders from 16 institutions, comprising 13 (72%) women and 12 (67%) representatives of the third sector, whose average age was 48 years and all had complete higher education. Reducing the speed of motor vehicles was the most cited option in all three questions. Other actions mentioned refer to controlling the traffic of vehicles in central areas, improving pedestrian safety, reducing the distances between homes and places of employment, conducting educational campaigns, and expanding and enhancing structures such as bicycle lanes and sidewalks. The results are relevant to support evidence-based decision-making in public management and to provide subsidies for the development of computational models with a view to promoting active mobility.

Resumen: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo presentar una encuesta cuantitativa realizada con líderes para investigar las acciones efectivas, viables y que puedan probarse en modelos informáticos para orientar las políticas que promuevan la movilidad activa en la ciudad de São Paulo, Brasil. En 2022 se realizó una encuesta en línea en el contexto de la Encuesta de Salud de São Paulo (Actividad Física y Medio Ambiente), que es monitoreada por representantes de organizaciones no gubernamentales, gestores públicos y entidades privadas. Se elaboró un cuestionario de tres preguntas con 13 respuestas alternativas sobre acciones para promover la caminata o el uso de la bicicleta. Los líderes podían seleccionar hasta tres alternativas en función de su potencial en términos de (1) efectividad; (2) viabilidad o facilidad de implementación; y (3) deseo de verificar las pruebas en modelos informáticos para orientar las políticas. La encuesta fue respondida por 18 líderes de 16 instituciones; de los cuales 13 (72%) eran mujeres y 12 (67%) representaban el tercer sector; la edad promedio de ellos fue de 48 años y todos contaban con educación superior. Reducir la velocidad de los vehículos de motor fue la opción más citada en las tres preguntas. Otras acciones mencionadas se refieren al control de la circulación de vehículos en las regiones centrales, la seguridad de los peatones, la reducción de las distancias entre los hogares y los lugares de trabajo, las campañas educativas y la expansión y mejora de estructuras como carriles bici y aceras. Los resultados son relevantes para apoyar la toma de decisiones basada en la evidencia en la gestión pública y ofrecer subsidios para la elaboración de modelos computacionales destinados a promover la movilidad activa.

Local collaborations for physical activity promotion: a network analysis.

This study aims to describe a local network for physical activity promotion and identify factors associated to collaboration or partnership ties between its actors. The study was carried out in a district of São Paulo, Brazil. Thirty-two actors responsible for policies, programs, and initiatives to promote physical activity within the district were interviewed from June to December 2012. Interviews included information about the actors' attributes and their relationships with the other actors. Network analysis techniques were used to describe and analyze the structure of the network. Thirty-two actors maintained 179 relationships among themselves (density = 0.18), of which 46% were reciprocal. Four in 10 relationships did not extend beyond information exchange. Forty-six relationships were classified as collaborations or partnerships (density = 0.09), of which 40% were concentrated on one actor of the public sector. To perceive institutional structure and bureaucracy as limiting factors to networking has been positively associated with new collaboration or partnership ties (OR = 2.37; 95%CI: 1.2-5.50). Understanding the structure of the network may empower the actors and foster self-management, facilitating the identification and decision, in a collaborative way, in which new relationships may have greater impact in the physical activity promotion within the district.

Preventable fractions of colon and breast cancers by increasing physical activity in Brazil: perspectives from plausible counterfactual scenarios.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is associated with lower risk of colon and breast cancers. Herein we estimated preventable fractions of colon and breast cancers in Brazil by increasing population-wide physical activity to different counterfactual scenarios. METHODS: We used data from a representative national survey in Brazil and corresponding relative risks of colon and postmenopausal breast cancers from a meta-analysis. Estimated cancer incidence was retrieved from GLOBOCAN and Brazilian National Cancer Institute. Five counterfactual scenarios for physical activity were considered: (i) theoretical minimum risk exposure level (≥8,000 metabolic equivalent of tasks-minute/week - MET-min/week); (ii) physical activity recommendation (≥600 MET-min/week); (iii) a 10% reduction in prevalence of insufficient physical inactivity (<600 MET-min/week); (iv) physical activity level in each state equals the most active state in Brazil; (v) closing the gender differences in physical activity. RESULTS: About 19% (3,630 cases) of colon cancers and 12% (6,712 cases) of postmenopausal breast cancers could be prevented by increasing physical activity to ≥8,000 MET-min/week. Plausible counterfactual scenarios suggested the following impact on cancer prevention: reaching physical activity recommendation: 1.7% (1,113 cases) of breast and 6% (1,137 cases) of colon; 10% reduction in physical inactivity prevalence: 0.2% (111 cases) of breast and 0.6% (114 cases) of colon; most active state scenario: 0.3% (168 cases) of breast and 1% (189 cases) of colon; reducing gender differences in physical activity: 1.1% (384 cases) of breast and 0.6% (122 cases) of colon. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of physical activity are required to achieve a sizable impact on breast and colon cancer prevention in Brazil.

Aedes ægypti control in urban areas: A systemic approach to a complex dynamic.

The available strategy for controlling the diseases transmitted by Aedes ægypti (dengue fever, Zika, and chikungunya) relies on continued community participation. Despite slogans emphasizing how easy it should be, no country has achieved it since the seventies. To better investigate potentially sustainable interventions, we developed a systemic model based on a multidisciplinary approach, integrating as deeply as possible specialized knowledge and field experience. The resulting model is composed of 4 external and 8 internal subsystems and 31 relationships, consistent with the literature and checked over multiple iterations with specialists of the many areas. We analyzed the model and the main feedback loops responsible for the system's stability, searching for possible interventions that could shift the existing balance. We suggest the introduction of 1 more player, the local primary health care structure, with the potential to change the undesired equilibrium. The health agents in the areas are the first to detect disease cases, and they could stimulate individuals to inform about potential mosquitoes' breeding sites and bring timely information to the vector-control program. Triggering such an action could introduce changes in people's attitude through a positive feedback loop in the desired direction.